WINNIPEG – The Winnipeg Police have issued an advisory on the number of vehicles that are being stolen from drivers who are leaving their keys in their vehicles.

MPI has said that out of the 3,100 vehicles that were stolen last year, 90% involved the use of keys. Nearly 50% involved keys left in the ignition or somewhere in the car. In other instances, keys were taken from coat pockets or purses that were left in public places or from the vehicle owners homes.

More information and safety tips from Manitoba Public Insurance can be found here: https://www.mpi.mb.ca/en/Newsroom/News-Releases/Pages/nr2018dec17.aspx

With colder temperatures expected to return later this week, the Winnipeg Police Service wishes to remind the public that there are several things you can do to keep your vehicle safe:

– Never leave your vehicle unattended, running or not, for any length of time while the keys are in the ignition

– Don’t leave your spare keys inside your vehicle

– Install a remote starter

– Use a steering wheel lock

– Install an alarm system

– Never leave children or pets in an unattended vehicle, especially one that is running.

– Never leave valuables on display inside your vehicle

– Use common sense

Most property crimes are preventable. Take away the opportunity and help keep your vehicle and contents safe.